“Only reformed multilateralism with a reformed United Nations at its centre can meet the aspirations of humanity,” said PM Modi, speaking at a high-level dialogue of the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on the subject ‘Multilateralism after COVID-19: What kind of UN do we need at the 75th Anniversary?’ on Friday. Outlining India’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Modi said that India has extended assistance to more than 150 countries, and helped set up a SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) COVID-19 emergency fund in the South Asian neighbourhood. “In the fight against COVID, our grassroots health system is helping India ensure one of the best recovery rates in the world,” PM Modi said. “The United Nations was originally born from the furies of the Second World War. Let us not lose this chance,” Mr. Modi added, indicating India’s push for a permanent seat in a more globally representative United Nations Security Council.

Source: The Hindu July 17, 2020 17:15 UTC